Monday, February 12, 2007

QUICK PIZZA

This is a "Quick Pizza" I made last weekend in a rush...

This kind of "Pizza" is very interesting as it tastes nearly like the real thing, but it takes a lot less time to prepare and it's made from scratch. You don't need to stay very long in the kitchen, yet the result is fantastic and tasty!

It is ideal if you have to make a last minute meal and you don't have much to offer. Just simply take what you find in your cupboards and use your imagination. I call it "culinary free jazz", a jam session in the kitchen...

Have fun and eat well!!!I didn't have enough time to make a real pizza dough, so I made the following pastry...

Method:1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt.2. Add butter and rub between the fingers until the mixture is flaky.3. Pour in water, gradually, while continuously cutting and stirring with a knife.4. Very lightly knead (10 seconds) and gather up into a soft ball.5. Wrap in plastic foil and leave in the refrigerator for about 1/2 to 1 hour.6. Dust your working area and rolling pin with flour and shape the pastry by rolling away from you and always turning the pastry around in order to achieve a round shape.7. Add whatever you want on top (see remarks).8. Bake at 200°C (400° F) for about 20-35 minutes.9. Eat warm.Remarks:Always lift the flour out of the bowl while rubbing; it makes the butter/flour mixture airy.Stop adding water when the dough is stiff. It should not be sticky or wet.For the topping, I added some tomato sauce (see recipe), anchovies, green olives, capers, finely cut onion rings, oregano and grated cheese (Parmesan).

Serving suggestions:Accompany your "Pizza" with a "Arugula Salad" or any other salad of your choice.

If you are interested to know more about my "Mammoth Pizza" made with real bread dough, here is the link (click here).

By the way, you can also use this low-fat pastry to make your sweet or savory tarts...